“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a little girl”, said a bride who embarked on the journey to find the perfect wedding dress.
Choosing a wedding dress is a major part of the planning process that can inspire other elements such as the wedding invites and cake. It’s a big deal for many brides.
As with any dream, the journey to finding the right wedding dress can have its challenges.
Having a vision of your dress and how you want to look on the day is very important. Some brides begin the journey not knowing what they want, what they would like in a wedding dress or what type of dresses are out there. And amidst all the different silhouettes, styles, shades of white, prices and opinions, a bride might feel lost in translation, making the experience more stressful than it needs to be.
So, what do you do?
The secret to choosing the right wedding dress is that it fits: it fits your personality and your vision. If it can also fit your budget this will bring you some much needed peace of mind. And if your entourage accompanying on this journey wants what’s best for you and wants to see you at your best, you’re off to a good, exciting start!
How to Choose a Wedding Dress?
There are a number of aspects you might want to consider, here are some that will help guide you to find the right wedding dress for you.
Your personality and body shape
Are you fun-loving, free-spirited, traditional or reserved? Do you like lace or silk? Do you see yourself in a ballgown or would you prefer a fit and flare style dress?
Before you go shopping and begin pinning ideas on your Pinterest board, take some time to plan your bridal look. Think of your overall style. What are the fabrics, prints, textures in a dress that sparks joy and that makes you feel “you!”
When it comes to your body shape, a gown that flatters your body draws attention away from areas of concern to you and highlights your best features. If you are petite, a big puffy ball gown will not help elongate your figure. If you have a long neck or broad shoulders, a boat neckline will be more flattering than a strapless gown might be. Check out this guide on choosing a wedding dress silhouette for your body shape.
Style is important, but so is comfort. The more uncomfortable the wedding dress is, the more unflattering it will look on you. Make sure you are able to sit and walk comfortably in the dress.
If you don’t know what you want in a wedding dress, others will tell you what they want for you. Before you take other people’s opinions about the dress, make sure you have an opinion of your own.
Your wedding vision
It is important for your dress to align with your wedding theme.
For a romantic theme, for example, a wedding dress might include elements such as lace or pearls.
If you’re planning on creating your wedding mood board, check out our blog post: How to create a wedding mood board.
Images via Pinterest. Mood board created by Olivia Khoury from Pearlivia Events
Consider the ceremony and reception venue
If you’re having a religious ceremony, you might want to opt for a more modest look than if you were having a civil ceremony by the beach. A crystal studded tulle ballgown, for instance, might be a suitable option for a romantic wedding reception held in an 18th century historical venue than for a backyard reception at a private house.
When you try on a wedding dress, do you see yourself in the dress, or do you see the dress first then yourself?
– Lorie Allen
Your budget
Choosing a wedding dress that is within your budget and that you like is a blessing. Be careful if you feel tempted to try on a gown that exceeds your budget. If you fall in love with the gown, you might need to find ways to reduce costs elsewhere, find someone willing to pay the difference or gift you the dress.
If money is an issue, it’s best to stick to what you can afford and avoid what you can’t afford. It might not be easy. But it will spare you disappointment and unnecessary stress.
Watch ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ to get an idea of what some of the challenges a bride might encounter when shopping for a wedding gown. What was your own experience shopping for a wedding dress like? Leave a comment in the section below.
IN CONCLUSION
It’s your wedding. It’s your day. It’s your dress. Knowing how you want to look on your Big Day is necessary before you begin shopping. Can you describe it in three words?
You want to look great in your wedding dress, but you also want to be comfortable. And comfort involves buying a dress that fits comfortably within your budget. When you’re trying on dresses, keep the following in mind:
- Your personality
- Your body shape
- Your wedding vision
- The ceremony and reception venue
If you need help with planning your bridal look, fill out your details here and I will get back to you!
Olivia
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